Two things are true in this world. Number one: the best thing you can put on your wedding registry is a cast iron skillet. Number two: the best wedding gift you can buy for a couple is a cast iron skillet.
It’s taken me years to figure this out.
Seriously, years!
If I really think about it, cast iron is one item that I have never seen on a wedding registry.
And, I’ve been to a LOT of weddings in my life.
I’m not sure why I have never thought to gift one. In fact, I just went to a wedding last month and went straight to their registry.
Quite honestly, my parents would just cringe at the thought of one not being exposed to the greats of cast iron cooking.
After all, I grew up with it since I was in the womb.
We used it everywhere — in our home, our cabin and our campsite.
It always seemed like a rustic choice compared to my friends’ more modern kitchens. But, it was home for me.
I’m pretty sure the first time I moved into my own place, my parents passively stuck their old cast iron skillet on my shelf. They didn’t expect me to like it or thank them. It was just part of life. Almost like a roll of toilet paper. You just need it, plain and simple.
And, guess what – that skillet is still sitting on my shelf five houses later.
So, people – if you have not experienced true cast iron cooking – then you have not lived!
Why is it the best?
Glad you asked.
This basic looking piece of metal is super versatile.
Think breakfast, lunch, dinner AND dessert. Yes, bake a pie in this thing and you will not be disappointed.
You can literally cook any dish in this skillet and the best part is, the food doesn’t stick.
You can also use the pan anywhere. Use it over the camp fire or transfer the skillet from stovetop to oven. Less dishes to wash, yay!
Speaking of washing, you don’t wash cast iron. Yes, you read that clearly. Soap ruins the seasoned skillet. All it takes is quick wipe with a clean cloth or paper napkin, followed by a bit of oil and boom. You are done. (For more cleaning tips, visit the Pioneer Woman for some great (and simple) advice).
Have you ever shopped for a cast iron skillet? They are super affordable. Sure, some brands charge way more than you would ever need to spend. Don’t get me wrong, the shiny and colorful ones are beautiful eye candy sitting on your stove. But, for the most part you can pick up a new, basic black skillet for $20-30. Pretty good, huh? And, what’s even cooler is that they’re floating around many garage and estate sales for a few bucks. (Side note: don’t let a rusty one deter you. It can be cleaned and seasoned in a matter of a few hours, looking polished and new again).
Once you’ve had a home cooked meal on cast iron, you will learn quickly. It truly gives every bit of food so much more flavor. Yum-o!
And, I guarantee you that it will be the only wedding gift that will last generations down the road.
Definitely worth it.
Oh, and I almost forgot – this cooking tool doubles as a weapon. Yes! Keep the baseball bat and other pointy objects in the garage. Learn from modern-day Rapunzel when she cloaked an intruder over the head in her tower with her cast iron frying pan. He was out cold.
Tell us, whatcha cookin’ in your cast iron skillet?
